26 August 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 26 August 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalms 137: 1 – 6 (7 – 9) and 138

The song of the exiles... “By the river of Babylon”. The psalmist feels the pain and anguish of the destruction of Jerusalem and worries about forgetting yet finding it impossible to sing.

The second psalm is a song of praise and deliverance and ends with the psalmist faithfully claiming, “the Lord will fulfil his purpose for me” (v.8).

2 Chronicles 33: 21 – 34: 13

Manasseh’s son Amon assumes the throne when he is 22. He worships idols, does evil things and does not humble himself. He is assassinated and the people kill those responsible.

Josiah, Amon’s son at 8 years old is now made King and reigns for 31 years. Josiah faithfully seeks the Lord and at 20 begins purging the country of all artefacts of worship of other gods. When he is 26 he sends money collected for the house of the Lord to those repairing the temple. Levites have the oversight of the restoration.

Acts 22: 17 – 30

Paul continues his address to the Jews. He recounts how he was in the temple and while praying experienced Jesus’ presence and was commissioned to go to far away to other nations. The crowd becomes enraged. The tribune orders Paul be flogged to reveal what incited the riot. Before the flogging Paul asks the centurion whether it is lawful to flog a Roman citizen before sentence has been passed. The centurion returns to the tribune who comes to Paul. The tribune comments that it cost him a lot to buy his citizenship, and Paul answers that he was born a citizen. Every one is afraid because they have bound a citizen. The tribune releases Paul from the bonds and the next day calls the chief priests and the entire council to meet so that he can find out what caused the riot.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Young male crimson rosella
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

Awesome God we join the psalmist to praise and bless you for your saving grace and protection. We thank you that you sent Christ your son to redeem us and guide us. Open our hearts to receive the same courage you gave to Josiah and to Paul to clear away any idols in our own lives, focus on you, and be willing to give a public account of your great mercies so that our lives bring glory to you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friday 26 August 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 139

The psalmist loves, reveres and understands the majesty and ever-presence of God. He wants to distance himself from anyone and anything that is opposed to God – to actively step away. He appeals to God to examine him, test him and lead him in the right way.

Tobit 8: 4 – 21

Tobias enters the room of his new wife and does as Raphael directed and puts the fish offal in the incense burner. The evil spirit flees to Egypt. Raphael follows and binds it up. Tobias prays with his wife blessing God, recalling God’s purpose for couples, and asking that they may grow old together.

Before dawn, Raguel has a grave dug in case Tobias is dead. He sends a maid to check. Tobias and Sarah are sleeping soundly. Raguel is overjoyed, blesses God for mercy and compassion on these two only children of their families and prays that the couple have fulfilled lives of happiness and mercy. He begins preparations for an extended wedding feast, and has the grave filled in.

Romans 16: 1 – 16

Paul commends to the Christian community in Rome other Christians from the region who may visit. This section is a list of faithful people who he is introducing to Rome so that if they arrive hospitality, peace and welcome will be provided.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Young female crimson rosellas
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

God of healing and restoration, you heal, feed us and keep us safe from all perils seen and unseen. You bind us to each other in couples, families and communities. Be with us this night as we pray for our personal, family and community relationships. May we always be people of your peace, your hospitality and your welcome through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Please leave a comment or feedback.